Letters to the editor - Jan. 28, 2009

By Donald Moskowitz|Londonderry, NH
By Glen Rice|Arenac Township

Posted 1/28/09

Comprehensive Energy Program

Editor,

Congress and the Administration are touting alternative energy sources to replace power production derived from foreign oil. They want to generate 10-20 percent of the U.S. energy needs from alternative sources.

Most of the alternative energy would have to be generated from wind power. If we assume 10 percent of energy requirements consists of 100,000 megawatts, and each wind turbine produces approximately 2-3megawatts, it will take about 40,000 wind turbines to produce 100,000 megawatts.

The sitting of 40,000 wind turbines around the country could be a monumental task since an average wind speed of about 12 mph is needed to efficiently operate a wind turbine. Hilltops, mountains, canyons and some coastlines are candidate locations for the machines, but pose logistical, noise and aesthetic obstacles. The generation of power from the wind turbines is dependent on weather conditions, and we all know how unpredictable and varied the weather can be. Furthermore, we would need an electrical grid system spread out around the country to tie in the wind turbines to the national grid.

Approximately 50 nuclear power plants with two units per site providing a total of 2,000 megawatts per site will generate 100,000 megawatts of clean, reliable, operationally cost effect and continuous power.

Nuclear power plants, domestic oil production, wind energy systems and other alternative energy sources are all viable components of a comprehensive energy program.

Donald A. Moskowitz

Londonderry, NH

Reporting the whole story

Editor,

The reporter’s article concerning Arenac Townships assessor in the Jan. 21, 2009 issue is vindicating what some believe to be, illegal actions and breech of duty by the township board.

First the ad referred to appeared Jan/Feb. 2008 and required Level 1 State Certification and residency in Arenac County. Feb. 6, 2008, a letter of interest was submitted by a certified person. March 6, 2008, those requirements were dismissed and the board hired Michelle Mackenzie, treasurer, as assessor (not certified).

According to the article, the board searched in advance of the March board meeting and obtained information leading them to believe they were within the law. That means Jim Daly and Michelle Mackenzie kept that information a secret. No ad stating requirements being eliminated. The information became public at the March 6 meeting.

A third letter of interest was submitted March 14, 2008. April 5, 2008, a contract was signed with Treasurer Mackenzie to be Assessor and given seven months to become certified (72 hour course). There were two other letters of interest received. Total five.

The article mentions there are some residents complaining of illegal acts and hiding of information by the board. True. No one attached Michelle Mackenzie. The residents have a right to disagree and not be charged with the word “attach”. Challenging process and legality, we have that right. Michelle is a fine woman and hard worker. That doesn’t put her, or the township board, above the law nor should that provide her favoritism. MCL 41.61, 15.181, 15.183 4(c), 5&6, 15.321. OAG 6126, 6618, & 6808. These laws are not repealed; amended or annotated.

There are 142 A.G. opinions concerning incompatible positions. MTA issued a Michigan Township Newsletter July 2008 (pg. 10) concerning the subject of statutory duty. In closing, provide the law “granting this action”, or “provided by law”. There isn’t one! YOU ask the Attorney General. If you do, enclose this article. Print both sides of an issue.